FREEHOLD, N.J. — A disbarred Monmouth County attorney has been charged with misappropriating more than $130,000 from the estate of a deceased client over a seven-year span, authorities announced Thursday.
Kathleen M. Cehelsky, 60, of Spring Lake Heights, is facing charges of second-degree misapplication of entrusted property, fourth-degree false uttering, and fourth-degree forgery, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago.
An investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes & Special Prosecutions Unit began in May 2024 following a referral from the New Jersey Office of Attorney Ethics. That agency had previously conducted a probe that led to Cehelsky’s disbarment.
Prosecutors said Cehelsky began transferring money from the estate fund of a deceased client shortly after the individual’s death in 2014. Over the years, she moved amounts ranging from several thousand dollars to more than $56,000 into personal accounts. In total, she misappropriated more than $130,000 and deprived 10 rightful heirs of their inheritance.
Bank records altered to hide estate withdrawals, officials say
Authorities said Cehelsky altered bank statements in an effort to conceal the withdrawals. None of the 10 beneficiaries had granted her authorization to access the estate funds.
While Cehelsky has since returned approximately two-thirds of the stolen money to the estate, prosecutors say the damage was already done.
She was served with charges earlier this week and released on her own recognizance. Her initial court appearance in Monmouth County Superior Court is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24.
The case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Michael Costanzo. Cehelsky is represented by attorney Raymond S. Londa of Elizabeth.
